Who is affected by Glaucoma ?

We Provide Advanced Eye Care for Glaucoma

Glaucoma describes a type of ocular disease that causes damage to your optic nerve and destroys your quality of vision. At Campbell River Optometry Centre, we use the latest optometric technology to check your eyes carefully for glaucoma.

Glaucoma screening by Dr. Lauzon, done with the help of a tonometer, is a significant part of our regular, comprehensive eye exams in Campbell River, British Columbia.

With no early symptoms, glaucoma can only be detected by a complete eye examination. When left untreated, glaucoma can result in detrimental vision loss. When treated early by one of our professional, knowledgeable eye doctors, we can help preserve your healthy eyesight.

What is glaucoma?

The characteristic sign of glaucoma is increased pressure in your inner eye, and this is what tonometry measures. In order to maintain the spherical form of your eyeball and its ability to provide sight, the proper amount of internal fluid must be present. With glaucoma, a proper balance between the inner eye fluid and the fluid that drains out isn’t preserved. This results in eye pressure levels that are dangerously high and not conducive to sharp vision.

What happens as glaucoma progresses?

The longer you have untreated glaucoma, the higher the risk of damage to your optic nerve. An injured optic nerve cannot convey accurate visual images to the brain. Signs of glaucoma are usually experienced only when the optic nerve has already been damaged. That’s why it’s important to come into our Campbell River office for regular eye exams, (before you sense any symptoms!) by a qualified professional.

Over time, vision loss or total, irreversible blindness is the result. In America, untreated glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness among adults over age 40.

Who is at a greater risk for glaucoma?

The following risk factors increase your chances of developing glaucoma:

Above 60 years of age

Diabetes of any type – particularly when uncontrolled

Family history of glaucoma

A member of the Mexican American population

How is glaucoma treated?

A variety of glaucoma treatments are available, depending upon your particular case. Therapies aim to lower eye pressure and stabilize it at a healthy level that will not lead to any damage of the optic nerve.

Possible medical approaches include:

Medicated eye drops to control the disease: note that the success of these eye drops depends heavily upon patient compliance with inserting them regularly, as directed by your eye doctor. Carelessness and failure to use eye drops properly is the primary reason for unsuccessful glaucoma treatment!

Laser surgery or Conventional (bladed) surgery: these procedures work to lower the natural production of inner eye fluid and/or to increase natural fluid drainage. Inner eye pressure is thereby reduced.

There are some forms of glaucoma that may cause sudden blurriness of vision, halos around lights, nausea or vomiting, or intense pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advised to contact our eye doctors immediately, or head to your nearby Campbell River County emergency room. We look forward to taking a look at your eyes and preserving your crisp, healthy vision!

Call Campbell River Optometry Centre on (250) 287-2020 in Campbell River, British Columbia to schedule an eye exam with our optometrist, Dr. Lauzon.

The 2-Minute Version: About Us

Welcome to Campbell River Optometry Centre . Whether you need a routine eye examination, a contact lens fitting or treatment for eye disease, our optometrists, located across from Home Hardware in Campbell River, will provide you with the best care, advice, options and follow up. We are committed to providing outstanding eye care with exceptional customer service and take pride in taking care of your eyes.